Posted on May 2, 2024
In the heart of British Columbia’s health care landscape, you will find Dr Dwight Ferris, a seasoned infectious disease physician whose commitment to patient care and advocacy knows no bounds. From the shores of Lake Superior to the communities of the Syilx Nation in the Okanagan, Dr Ferris’s leadership is a driving force behind Quality Improvement (QI) efforts in BC.
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, he left his hometown to study at the University of Western Ontario. It was during his undergraduate years that he embraced his identity as a gay man and found solace in a community that celebrated diversity. In those formative years, he gained an appreciation for the richness of human experience, the importance of fostering inclusivity, and it affected the way he would approach patient care and advocacy. His motto, "live life with no regrets," echoes through his life and career today, and drives him to advocate for those whose voices are often drowned out by systemic barriers.
With a background in entomology and nursing, his transition to specializing in infectious disease was a natural evolution driven by a desire to combat disease at its source. As the only infectious disease specialist working in the Interior Health and Northern Health regions in 2001, he was steadily building a team that served marginalized populations, including the LGBTQ+ community, people experiencing homeless, and those struggling with mental health and substance use. The need was there, and the work underscored his commitment to fostering change and breaking down barriers in both health care and the community
His foray into QI was catalyzed by Dr Jan McIntosh, a mentor and colleague whose passion for QI ignited a spark for him. After attending his first Quality Forum Conference, his eyes were opened to the potential for delivering better patient care. According to Dr Ferris, “simple small changes in behavior may make a huge world of difference in terms of outcomes.” He became a passionate proponent of QI methodologies and recognized the imperative for physicians to engage in QI initiatives.
"Physician Quality Improvement (PQI) was an opportunity to come together, work together with the administration, and advance good ideas to help improve patient care," reflects Dr Ferris.
His involvement in various QI initiatives, including the PQI program, continues to play an instrumental role in shaping the quality and culture of health care delivery throughout BC. While serving on the PQI and Spreading Quality Improvement (SQI) Steering Committees, he provided invaluable guidance, steering the program towards a more integrated approach to health care, one that prioritizes not only clinical excellence, but also societal well-being and environmental sustainability.
As the benefits of QI ripple throughout the medical community, Dr Ferris's vision of small changes making large impacts isn’t far-fetched. Through dedication and collaboration, he says, it is possible to bridge the gap between physicians and administrators. “The ability to work with the administrators in your area will help support you in terms of caring for your people and making your life better and easier.”
Coupled with his pursuit of health care equity, Dr Ferris is at the center of a galvanized community of health care professionals who are dedicated to effecting positive change and inspiring a new generation to embrace QI as a cornerstone of their practice.
From combating infectious diseases, to advocating for environmental stewardship, Dr Ferris’s vision extends far beyond the clinic to the broader spectrum of public health and wellness. He strives for a future where equity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of quality improvement are not just aspirations, but inherent principles that govern every facet of health care delivery
Initiative
Physician Quality Improvement Initiative
